CA1099997A - Vessel for carrying independent pressurized load tanks - Google Patents
Vessel for carrying independent pressurized load tanksInfo
- Publication number
- CA1099997A CA1099997A CA320,475A CA320475A CA1099997A CA 1099997 A CA1099997 A CA 1099997A CA 320475 A CA320475 A CA 320475A CA 1099997 A CA1099997 A CA 1099997A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- sheet
- platform
- vessel
- chambers
- hull
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 10
- 238000005192 partition Methods 0.000 claims description 21
- 239000000543 intermediate Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 abstract 1
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000000284 resting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000005755 formation reaction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000002955 isolation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000003345 natural gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 101100000210 Mus caroli Orm8 gene Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 230000006978 adaptation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002844 continuous effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006073 displacement reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005484 gravity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003455 independent Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002787 reinforcement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B25/00—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby
- B63B25/02—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods
- B63B25/08—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods fluid
- B63B25/12—Load-accommodating arrangements, e.g. stowing, trimming; Vessels characterised thereby for bulk goods fluid closed
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10S220/00—Receptacles
- Y10S220/901—Liquified gas content, cryogenic
Landscapes
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)
- Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
- Electrical Discharge Machining, Electrochemical Machining, And Combined Machining (AREA)
- Spinning Or Twisting Of Yarns (AREA)
Abstract
VESSEL FOR CARRYING INDEPENDENT PRESSURIZED LOAD TANKS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In a vessel for carrying independent pressurized load tanks, the load tank support is supported on a rigid sheet disposed above a platform, the rigid sheet and platform being connected to the vessel hull support structure and to one another via an intermediate element. The load tank extends through central apertures in the platform and sheet. At least one resilient deformable element is provided between the sheet and platform beneath the supporting area of the sheet to pre-vent transmission of vertical deformations of the vessel hull to the load tank. The deformable element can comprise one or more elastic bodies or one or more hermetic tubular chambers having flexible walls and partially filled with a non-compressible fluid.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
In a vessel for carrying independent pressurized load tanks, the load tank support is supported on a rigid sheet disposed above a platform, the rigid sheet and platform being connected to the vessel hull support structure and to one another via an intermediate element. The load tank extends through central apertures in the platform and sheet. At least one resilient deformable element is provided between the sheet and platform beneath the supporting area of the sheet to pre-vent transmission of vertical deformations of the vessel hull to the load tank. The deformable element can comprise one or more elastic bodies or one or more hermetic tubular chambers having flexible walls and partially filled with a non-compressible fluid.
Description
This invention relates to vessels for carrying inde-pendent pressurized load tanks, and particularly such vessels for the transport of low temperature liquid gases, such as natural gas.
The use of natural gas, a major source of energy, is limited by problems involved in its transfer from deposits ; located in the Middle East to consumer countries.
Available means of transport of this gas are based on vessels having either large holds that enclose membranous containers resting on the walls and the bottoms of the holds or large independent tanks resting against contiguous supports which, in turn, transmit the loads to the hull of the vessel.
~ The former solution using membranous containersj requires a highly specialized work crew and special materials and-technology for its manufacture, and monopolizes ship-yard facilities for long periods of time. Independent tanks do not require either a specialized work crew or very advanced techn~logy, and their manufacture involves significantly shorter periods of time. Although the materials required for this type of tank àre not as specialized as those for the membranous containers they are relatively heavy in weight due to the thickness of the metal sheets necessary for their construction. The sheets must be thick so as to ensure stability of the tank wall. In an independent tank resting against a contiguous support the stability of the wall may be endangered by compression forces that give rise to tensions greater than allowable levels.
The compression forces in the tanks are due to ~k ... .
99~7 inertia forces of the vessel's movements at sea, to the weight of the tank and its load, and to deformations in the hull of the vessel due to waves. Of these three causes, the deforma-tions of the hull may require the thickness of the tank wall to be increased by 30~ over the thickness required as a result of the other two causes.
Although it is impossible to reduce the influence of gravity and almost impossible to reduce that of the forces of inertia, it is possible to reduce the pressures on the tank wall due to deformations of the hull, and consequently the thickness of said wall and the weight of the tanks.
One known method to reduce these presssures was developed by the present applicant and consists in controlling ~nd maintaining the deformations of the hull within predeter-mined limits, which do not give rise to large values of theforces in question.
An object of the present invention is to provide a vessel in which the pressures induced in the tank and in its supports by vertical deformations of the vessel hull, due mainly to vertical flexion and torsion of the vessel, are reduced.
According to this invention there is provided a vessel for carrying inde~endent pressurized ioad tanks, com-prising: a hull having a hull support structure; a substan-tially horizontal platform having a central aperture; a rigidcontinuous sheet, having a central aperture, disposed above -and substantially parallel to said platform; one of said plat-form and said sheet being connected to the hull support struc-ture and th~ other of said platform and said sheet being con-30 nected either to the hull support structure or via an inter-mediate element to said one of said platform and said sheet;
means supported by said sheet for supporting a load tank with said tank extending through the central apertures of said sheet and said platform; and a resilient deformable element 35 disposed between said sheet and said platform.
Until now the supports of each tank have rested directly on the platform, and thus deformations in the hull of ; the vessel directly affected the walls of the tanks, giving , ,, . ~ , . . . .. . ......... . . . . . .. . . . . .... .
`` 1~999~7 rise to pressures which necessitated that the walls of the tanks be strengthened.
The present invention is based on the relative iso-lation of each load tank from the vessel hull, thus separating 5 vertical deformations of the hu:Ll from thoseof the tank. The resilient ae~ormable element provides this isolation.
The deformable element is able to transmit perpendi-cular forces of the bottom of the vessel between the continuous sheet and the platform. The continuous sheet must be very rigid in its own plane and very flexible outside its own plane so that it can transmit parallel forces of the bottom of the vessel in the form of sharp pressures, at the same time allow-ing vertical deformation of the deformable element.
The deformable element is preferably positioned 15 beneath the area where the sheet supports the means for supporting the tank, so that it surrounds the central aper-tures. The deformable element can comprise a continuous elastic body, a plurality of elastic members, or at least one hermetic tubular chamber having flexible walls and partially filled with a non-compressible fluid.
It is known that the vertical deformations of the hull of a vessel at sea are mainly due to the general vertical flexion of the hull and the effects of its torsion. The deformations of the hull in the area of a load tank due to 25 general vertical flexions are symmetrical with respect to the vertical longitudinal symmetry plane of the vessel and to the vertical transversal median plane of the tank. The deformations due to torsions are symmetrical with respect to the bisecting planes of the two aforementioned elements.
This means that when the hull is altered due to general vertical flexion the platform rises above its plane so that between the platform and the continuous sheet there' appear two symmetrical approximation zones and another two symmetrical seyaration zones, located near the vertical longi-tudinal and transversal planes mentioned above. The same e~fect occurs clue to torsion, except that the approximation and separation zones of the platform and the continuous sheet ~r r .
` ~ ~q9~97 are located near the previously mentioned bisecting planes.
When the deformable element is made of one or more elastic units these can be compxessed or are able to expand, absorbing the separation variations betweén the platform and the continuous sheet, so that the deformations of the hull do not affect the tank itself or its support.
When-the deformable element is made of one or more tubular chambers, the width variations and also the sectional variatlons of these chambers occur by alteration of the quan-tity of fluid contained in the different sections or areas ofthe chambers. This sectional variation occurs by circulation of the fluid from the areas of the chamber which are compres-sed, due to the approximation of the platform to the continuous sheet, to the areas in which said chamber is not compressed, where the platform separates from the continuous sheet.
This requires that each of the chambers contain an approximation area and a separation area, or one area of one type and two median areas of the other, so that the total quantity of fluid contained in each chamber remains constant and the median distance between the platform and the continuous sheet does not alter when the vessel undergoes deformations.
To impede gyrations of the tank around an axis per-pendicular to a longitudinal plane it is necessary that, at least in one of the chambers, the flow of fluid by impeded by means of the median transversal plane of the tank. In like manner, to-impede gyrations of the tank around an axis per-pendicular to its median transversal vertical plane it is nec-necessary that, at least in one of the chambers, the flow of fluid be impeded by means of the longitudinal plane.
In order to meet the above conditions preferably the deformable element comprises four of said chambers arranged in two concentric rings, each chamber subtending at the centre of said rings an angle ~ust less than 180, the chambers in an inner one of said rings being symmetrically arranged with res-pect to a first vertical plane and the chambers in an outer one of said ri~gs being symmetrically arranged with respect to a second, different, vertical plane, and the chambers are confined between partitions which extend perpendicularly from . .
.
9999~
said platform towards but not as far as said sheet~ the height and separations of the partitions belng such as to permit de-formation of the chambers without the chambers or said sheet contacting said partitions. The vertical planes are 5 preferably perpendicular to one another.
The partitions, which prevent lateral displacement of the chambers, run the length of the concentric semicircles occupied by the chambers. The height and separation of the partitions are such that maximum possible flattening of the chambers housed between them is permitted without the chambers coming into contact with said partitions and without the any lateral restriction of the local flattening of the chambers.
Clamps may be used to reposition the tubular chambers; these clamps would raise the continuous sheet slightly, separating it from the platform where the support structure is placed. The sheet may also be raised by swelling some of the chambers to the maximum.
Naturally the tubular chambers are equipped with loading holes and with manometers that will allow equalization of pressures in the different chambers so that each will function equally.
Where they come into contact with the tubular chambers the platform and the continuous sheet may have an anti-abrasive coating so that the chambers will be provided with more durability.
When the platform and sheet are connected via the intermediate element, this may be situated within or outside the deformable element.
The invention will be further understood from the following description by way of example of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vessel hull embodying a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial transverse vertical section of the embodiment of Fig. l;
Each of Figs. 3 to 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing a respective alternative embodiment of the invention;
'q~ Fig. 8 is a sectional plan view taken on .
q99~7 a line VIII-VIII of Fig. 7; and Fig. 9, which appears on the same sheet as Fig, 7, shows to a larger scale part o* the section shown in Fig. 7, illustrating the operation of t:his embodiment of the invention.
Referring firstly to Figs. 1 and 2, a vessel has a double-walled hull formed by an external wall and base 1, an internal base 2, an internal wall 3, and transverse bulk-heads 4. Bètween the external wall and base 1 and the internal base 2 and wall 3 the hull structure is provided, and the in-ternal wall 3 and bulkheads 4 clefine walls of the hold of the vessel, A tank support structure is mounted to the hull structure and consists of a cylindrical wall 5, which may al-ternatively be frusto-conical, triangular brackets 6 which ex-tend between the wall 5 and internal base 2, rods 7 each ofwhich extends along the longest edge of a respective bracket 6, a substantially horizontal level annular platform 8, and partitions and reinforcement elements which are not referenced, A tank support or covering(s) 9, on which in use a tank is 20 mounted so as to pass through the central opening in the plat-form 8, is supported on top of a continuous annular sheet 10 which extends just above and parallel to the platform 8, A
deformable element constituted by at least one elastic body 12 is provided between the platform 8 and the sheet 10 and is located directly below the line of support of the tank support 9 on the sheet 10 and above the position of the wall 5, as is best shown in Fig. 2.
In Figs, 1 and 2, the plat~orm 8 extends outwardly to the internal wall 3 and transverse bulkheads 4, and the inner edge of the platform 8 terminates in an intermediate member 11 which curves ,upwardly to unite the inner edge of the sheet 10 to the platform 8, as shown in Fig. 2. This member 11 defines the inner edge of the central opening through which the tank extends in use. As shown in b~oken lines in Fig. 2, a second intermediate member 13 may optionally be provided ex-tending perpendicularly between the platform 8 and the sheet 10 between the member 11 and the elastic body 12, This member 13 can be soldered to the platform 8 and the sheet 10.
,, ........... . . ,. . . .. . . . ~ . ... . .. .. . .. . . . .
-~)9~997 The elastic body 12 may be continuous so that it is in the form of a ring, or lt may be discontinuous, being formed by independent pieces which are positioned as described above and shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
The embodiment of Fig. 3 differs from that of Fiys. 1 and 2 in that the intermediate member 11 is replaced by a simple vertical wall 14 which is perpendicular to the sheet 10 and the platform 8 and is soldered thereto. Again the member 13 may optionally be provided.
In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the intermediate element 11 or wall 14 is replaced by a wall 15 which extends perpendicularly between the platform 8 and the sheet 10, and is soldered thereto, outwardly of the elastic body 12. In this embodiment the continuous sheet 10, instead of the platform 8, extends outwardly to the internal wall 3 and bulkheads 4.
In the embodiment of Fig. 5 the provision of a separate member 11, 14, or 15 is avoided in that both the platform 8 and the continuous shee~ 10 extend outwardly to the internal wall 3 and bulkheads 4, whereby a portion 16 of the wall 3 or bulkhead 4 acts to join-the sheet 10 to the plat-form 8.
In the embodiment of Fig. 6 only the platform 8 ex-tends outwardly to the wall 3 and bulkheads 4, and the sheet 10 is joined to the platform 8 through bolts 17 which extend perpendicularly between the platform 8 and the sheet 10 on both sides of the elastic body 12 and are secured by nuts 18.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 to 9, in which the-elements 8, 10, and 11 are arranged in the same manner as in Figs. 1 and 2, there are 5 concentric deformable elements each of which consists of a hermetic tubular chamber 19, having a flexible wall which preferably is relatively inelastic, which is partially filled with a non-compressible fluid. Each chamber 19 lies between the platform 8 and the sheet 10 between a respective pair of partitions 20 which extend up-wardly from the platform 8 towards but not as far as the sheet 10.
As shown in Fig. 8, each partition 20 is - - - - -:
~9~7 -- 8 ~
approximately semicircular, and the partitions 20 form com-partments 21 therebetween. As Fig. 8 shows, the three inner partitions 20 are symmetrical with respect to a longidutinal plane X-X of the vessel, and the two outer partitions 20 are 5 symmetrical with respect to a transverse plane Y-Y of the vessel. The chambers 19 likewise are approximately semicir-cular each subtending an angle of slightly less than 180.
The chambers 19 (not shown in Fig. 8) which occupy the inner compartments 21 are symmetrical with respect to the longitu-dinal plane X-X, while those occupying the outer compart-ments 21 are symmetrical with respect to the transverse plane Y-Y.
To facilitate substitution of the chambers 19 in the their compartments, without having to dismount the tank, the partitions 20 may have their ends curved inwardly in the case of the inner partitions and outwardly in the case of the outer partitions, so as to form openings through which the chambers can be removed and introduced by any convenient method. Al-ternatively, openings may be provided in the platform 8 at the ends of the chambers, t~rough which the chambers may be intro-duced and removed.
As has already been indicated, the chambers are not filled completely, so that the fluid may flow within each chamber.
In Fig. 9, the positions of a chamber 19 and the sheet 10, when only the weight of the tank and its support are supportedJ are shown in full lines. When there are de-formations to the hull of the vessel these result in the con-tinuous sheet 10 moving relative to the platform 8 to a posi-tion 10' as shown in broken lines in Fig. 9, with the chamber 19 having a flattened configuration 19' also shown in broken lines in Fig. 9, the points of contact between the chamber 19 and the elements 8 and 10 being locally increased.
It should be appreciated that the height and separation of the partitions 20 are such that, where the chamber 19 undergoes the maximum degree of local flattening, the chamber 19 and the sheet 10 do not come into contact with the partitions 20, so that the deformation capacity of the chamber 19 is not .
:~9~9~7 restricted.
It should also be appreciated that the various arrangements described above may be combined in various ways, and other modifications and adaptations may be made, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
The use of natural gas, a major source of energy, is limited by problems involved in its transfer from deposits ; located in the Middle East to consumer countries.
Available means of transport of this gas are based on vessels having either large holds that enclose membranous containers resting on the walls and the bottoms of the holds or large independent tanks resting against contiguous supports which, in turn, transmit the loads to the hull of the vessel.
~ The former solution using membranous containersj requires a highly specialized work crew and special materials and-technology for its manufacture, and monopolizes ship-yard facilities for long periods of time. Independent tanks do not require either a specialized work crew or very advanced techn~logy, and their manufacture involves significantly shorter periods of time. Although the materials required for this type of tank àre not as specialized as those for the membranous containers they are relatively heavy in weight due to the thickness of the metal sheets necessary for their construction. The sheets must be thick so as to ensure stability of the tank wall. In an independent tank resting against a contiguous support the stability of the wall may be endangered by compression forces that give rise to tensions greater than allowable levels.
The compression forces in the tanks are due to ~k ... .
99~7 inertia forces of the vessel's movements at sea, to the weight of the tank and its load, and to deformations in the hull of the vessel due to waves. Of these three causes, the deforma-tions of the hull may require the thickness of the tank wall to be increased by 30~ over the thickness required as a result of the other two causes.
Although it is impossible to reduce the influence of gravity and almost impossible to reduce that of the forces of inertia, it is possible to reduce the pressures on the tank wall due to deformations of the hull, and consequently the thickness of said wall and the weight of the tanks.
One known method to reduce these presssures was developed by the present applicant and consists in controlling ~nd maintaining the deformations of the hull within predeter-mined limits, which do not give rise to large values of theforces in question.
An object of the present invention is to provide a vessel in which the pressures induced in the tank and in its supports by vertical deformations of the vessel hull, due mainly to vertical flexion and torsion of the vessel, are reduced.
According to this invention there is provided a vessel for carrying inde~endent pressurized ioad tanks, com-prising: a hull having a hull support structure; a substan-tially horizontal platform having a central aperture; a rigidcontinuous sheet, having a central aperture, disposed above -and substantially parallel to said platform; one of said plat-form and said sheet being connected to the hull support struc-ture and th~ other of said platform and said sheet being con-30 nected either to the hull support structure or via an inter-mediate element to said one of said platform and said sheet;
means supported by said sheet for supporting a load tank with said tank extending through the central apertures of said sheet and said platform; and a resilient deformable element 35 disposed between said sheet and said platform.
Until now the supports of each tank have rested directly on the platform, and thus deformations in the hull of ; the vessel directly affected the walls of the tanks, giving , ,, . ~ , . . . .. . ......... . . . . . .. . . . . .... .
`` 1~999~7 rise to pressures which necessitated that the walls of the tanks be strengthened.
The present invention is based on the relative iso-lation of each load tank from the vessel hull, thus separating 5 vertical deformations of the hu:Ll from thoseof the tank. The resilient ae~ormable element provides this isolation.
The deformable element is able to transmit perpendi-cular forces of the bottom of the vessel between the continuous sheet and the platform. The continuous sheet must be very rigid in its own plane and very flexible outside its own plane so that it can transmit parallel forces of the bottom of the vessel in the form of sharp pressures, at the same time allow-ing vertical deformation of the deformable element.
The deformable element is preferably positioned 15 beneath the area where the sheet supports the means for supporting the tank, so that it surrounds the central aper-tures. The deformable element can comprise a continuous elastic body, a plurality of elastic members, or at least one hermetic tubular chamber having flexible walls and partially filled with a non-compressible fluid.
It is known that the vertical deformations of the hull of a vessel at sea are mainly due to the general vertical flexion of the hull and the effects of its torsion. The deformations of the hull in the area of a load tank due to 25 general vertical flexions are symmetrical with respect to the vertical longitudinal symmetry plane of the vessel and to the vertical transversal median plane of the tank. The deformations due to torsions are symmetrical with respect to the bisecting planes of the two aforementioned elements.
This means that when the hull is altered due to general vertical flexion the platform rises above its plane so that between the platform and the continuous sheet there' appear two symmetrical approximation zones and another two symmetrical seyaration zones, located near the vertical longi-tudinal and transversal planes mentioned above. The same e~fect occurs clue to torsion, except that the approximation and separation zones of the platform and the continuous sheet ~r r .
` ~ ~q9~97 are located near the previously mentioned bisecting planes.
When the deformable element is made of one or more elastic units these can be compxessed or are able to expand, absorbing the separation variations betweén the platform and the continuous sheet, so that the deformations of the hull do not affect the tank itself or its support.
When-the deformable element is made of one or more tubular chambers, the width variations and also the sectional variatlons of these chambers occur by alteration of the quan-tity of fluid contained in the different sections or areas ofthe chambers. This sectional variation occurs by circulation of the fluid from the areas of the chamber which are compres-sed, due to the approximation of the platform to the continuous sheet, to the areas in which said chamber is not compressed, where the platform separates from the continuous sheet.
This requires that each of the chambers contain an approximation area and a separation area, or one area of one type and two median areas of the other, so that the total quantity of fluid contained in each chamber remains constant and the median distance between the platform and the continuous sheet does not alter when the vessel undergoes deformations.
To impede gyrations of the tank around an axis per-pendicular to a longitudinal plane it is necessary that, at least in one of the chambers, the flow of fluid by impeded by means of the median transversal plane of the tank. In like manner, to-impede gyrations of the tank around an axis per-pendicular to its median transversal vertical plane it is nec-necessary that, at least in one of the chambers, the flow of fluid be impeded by means of the longitudinal plane.
In order to meet the above conditions preferably the deformable element comprises four of said chambers arranged in two concentric rings, each chamber subtending at the centre of said rings an angle ~ust less than 180, the chambers in an inner one of said rings being symmetrically arranged with res-pect to a first vertical plane and the chambers in an outer one of said ri~gs being symmetrically arranged with respect to a second, different, vertical plane, and the chambers are confined between partitions which extend perpendicularly from . .
.
9999~
said platform towards but not as far as said sheet~ the height and separations of the partitions belng such as to permit de-formation of the chambers without the chambers or said sheet contacting said partitions. The vertical planes are 5 preferably perpendicular to one another.
The partitions, which prevent lateral displacement of the chambers, run the length of the concentric semicircles occupied by the chambers. The height and separation of the partitions are such that maximum possible flattening of the chambers housed between them is permitted without the chambers coming into contact with said partitions and without the any lateral restriction of the local flattening of the chambers.
Clamps may be used to reposition the tubular chambers; these clamps would raise the continuous sheet slightly, separating it from the platform where the support structure is placed. The sheet may also be raised by swelling some of the chambers to the maximum.
Naturally the tubular chambers are equipped with loading holes and with manometers that will allow equalization of pressures in the different chambers so that each will function equally.
Where they come into contact with the tubular chambers the platform and the continuous sheet may have an anti-abrasive coating so that the chambers will be provided with more durability.
When the platform and sheet are connected via the intermediate element, this may be situated within or outside the deformable element.
The invention will be further understood from the following description by way of example of embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a partial perspective view of a vessel hull embodying a first embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a partial transverse vertical section of the embodiment of Fig. l;
Each of Figs. 3 to 7 is a view similar to Fig. 2 showing a respective alternative embodiment of the invention;
'q~ Fig. 8 is a sectional plan view taken on .
q99~7 a line VIII-VIII of Fig. 7; and Fig. 9, which appears on the same sheet as Fig, 7, shows to a larger scale part o* the section shown in Fig. 7, illustrating the operation of t:his embodiment of the invention.
Referring firstly to Figs. 1 and 2, a vessel has a double-walled hull formed by an external wall and base 1, an internal base 2, an internal wall 3, and transverse bulk-heads 4. Bètween the external wall and base 1 and the internal base 2 and wall 3 the hull structure is provided, and the in-ternal wall 3 and bulkheads 4 clefine walls of the hold of the vessel, A tank support structure is mounted to the hull structure and consists of a cylindrical wall 5, which may al-ternatively be frusto-conical, triangular brackets 6 which ex-tend between the wall 5 and internal base 2, rods 7 each ofwhich extends along the longest edge of a respective bracket 6, a substantially horizontal level annular platform 8, and partitions and reinforcement elements which are not referenced, A tank support or covering(s) 9, on which in use a tank is 20 mounted so as to pass through the central opening in the plat-form 8, is supported on top of a continuous annular sheet 10 which extends just above and parallel to the platform 8, A
deformable element constituted by at least one elastic body 12 is provided between the platform 8 and the sheet 10 and is located directly below the line of support of the tank support 9 on the sheet 10 and above the position of the wall 5, as is best shown in Fig. 2.
In Figs, 1 and 2, the plat~orm 8 extends outwardly to the internal wall 3 and transverse bulkheads 4, and the inner edge of the platform 8 terminates in an intermediate member 11 which curves ,upwardly to unite the inner edge of the sheet 10 to the platform 8, as shown in Fig. 2. This member 11 defines the inner edge of the central opening through which the tank extends in use. As shown in b~oken lines in Fig. 2, a second intermediate member 13 may optionally be provided ex-tending perpendicularly between the platform 8 and the sheet 10 between the member 11 and the elastic body 12, This member 13 can be soldered to the platform 8 and the sheet 10.
,, ........... . . ,. . . .. . . . ~ . ... . .. .. . .. . . . .
-~)9~997 The elastic body 12 may be continuous so that it is in the form of a ring, or lt may be discontinuous, being formed by independent pieces which are positioned as described above and shown in Figs. 1 and 2.
The embodiment of Fig. 3 differs from that of Fiys. 1 and 2 in that the intermediate member 11 is replaced by a simple vertical wall 14 which is perpendicular to the sheet 10 and the platform 8 and is soldered thereto. Again the member 13 may optionally be provided.
In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the intermediate element 11 or wall 14 is replaced by a wall 15 which extends perpendicularly between the platform 8 and the sheet 10, and is soldered thereto, outwardly of the elastic body 12. In this embodiment the continuous sheet 10, instead of the platform 8, extends outwardly to the internal wall 3 and bulkheads 4.
In the embodiment of Fig. 5 the provision of a separate member 11, 14, or 15 is avoided in that both the platform 8 and the continuous shee~ 10 extend outwardly to the internal wall 3 and bulkheads 4, whereby a portion 16 of the wall 3 or bulkhead 4 acts to join-the sheet 10 to the plat-form 8.
In the embodiment of Fig. 6 only the platform 8 ex-tends outwardly to the wall 3 and bulkheads 4, and the sheet 10 is joined to the platform 8 through bolts 17 which extend perpendicularly between the platform 8 and the sheet 10 on both sides of the elastic body 12 and are secured by nuts 18.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 7 to 9, in which the-elements 8, 10, and 11 are arranged in the same manner as in Figs. 1 and 2, there are 5 concentric deformable elements each of which consists of a hermetic tubular chamber 19, having a flexible wall which preferably is relatively inelastic, which is partially filled with a non-compressible fluid. Each chamber 19 lies between the platform 8 and the sheet 10 between a respective pair of partitions 20 which extend up-wardly from the platform 8 towards but not as far as the sheet 10.
As shown in Fig. 8, each partition 20 is - - - - -:
~9~7 -- 8 ~
approximately semicircular, and the partitions 20 form com-partments 21 therebetween. As Fig. 8 shows, the three inner partitions 20 are symmetrical with respect to a longidutinal plane X-X of the vessel, and the two outer partitions 20 are 5 symmetrical with respect to a transverse plane Y-Y of the vessel. The chambers 19 likewise are approximately semicir-cular each subtending an angle of slightly less than 180.
The chambers 19 (not shown in Fig. 8) which occupy the inner compartments 21 are symmetrical with respect to the longitu-dinal plane X-X, while those occupying the outer compart-ments 21 are symmetrical with respect to the transverse plane Y-Y.
To facilitate substitution of the chambers 19 in the their compartments, without having to dismount the tank, the partitions 20 may have their ends curved inwardly in the case of the inner partitions and outwardly in the case of the outer partitions, so as to form openings through which the chambers can be removed and introduced by any convenient method. Al-ternatively, openings may be provided in the platform 8 at the ends of the chambers, t~rough which the chambers may be intro-duced and removed.
As has already been indicated, the chambers are not filled completely, so that the fluid may flow within each chamber.
In Fig. 9, the positions of a chamber 19 and the sheet 10, when only the weight of the tank and its support are supportedJ are shown in full lines. When there are de-formations to the hull of the vessel these result in the con-tinuous sheet 10 moving relative to the platform 8 to a posi-tion 10' as shown in broken lines in Fig. 9, with the chamber 19 having a flattened configuration 19' also shown in broken lines in Fig. 9, the points of contact between the chamber 19 and the elements 8 and 10 being locally increased.
It should be appreciated that the height and separation of the partitions 20 are such that, where the chamber 19 undergoes the maximum degree of local flattening, the chamber 19 and the sheet 10 do not come into contact with the partitions 20, so that the deformation capacity of the chamber 19 is not .
:~9~9~7 restricted.
It should also be appreciated that the various arrangements described above may be combined in various ways, and other modifications and adaptations may be made, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Claims (12)
1. A vessel for carrying independent pressurized load tanks, comprising:-a hull having a hull support structure;
a substantially horizontal platform having a central aperture, a rigid continuous sheet, having a central aperture, disposed above and substantially parallel to said platform;
one of said platform and said sheet being connected to the hull support structure and the other of said platform and said sheet being connected either to the hull support structure or via an intermediate element to said one of said platform and said sheet;
means supported by said sheet for supporting a load tank with said tank extending through the central apertures of said sheet and said platform; and a resilient deformable element disposed between said sheet and said platform.
a substantially horizontal platform having a central aperture, a rigid continuous sheet, having a central aperture, disposed above and substantially parallel to said platform;
one of said platform and said sheet being connected to the hull support structure and the other of said platform and said sheet being connected either to the hull support structure or via an intermediate element to said one of said platform and said sheet;
means supported by said sheet for supporting a load tank with said tank extending through the central apertures of said sheet and said platform; and a resilient deformable element disposed between said sheet and said platform.
2. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the de-formable element comprises a continuous elastic body which surrounds the central aperture of said sheet and said platform and is positioned beneath the area where the sheet supports said means for supporting a load tank.
3. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the de-formable element comprises a plurality of elastic members positioned beneath the area where the sheet supports said means for supporting a load tank.
4. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the de-formable element comprises at least one hermetic tubular chamber having flexible walls and partially filled with a non-compressible fluid, which surrounds the central aperture of said sheet and said platform and is positioned beneath the area where the sheet supports said means for supporting a load tank.
5. A vessel as claimed in claim 4 wherein the de-formable element comprises four of said chambers arranged in two concentric rings, each chamber subtending at the centre of said rings an angle just less than 180°, the chambers in an inner one of said rings being symmetrically arranged with res-pect to a first vertical plane and the chambers in an outer one of said rings being symmetrically arranged with respect to a second, different, vertical plane, and wherein the chambers are confined between partitions which extend perpendicularly from said platform towards but not as far as said sheet, the height and separations of the partitions being such as to per-mit deformation of the chambers without the chambers or said sheet contacting said partitions.
6. A vessel as claimed in claim 5 wherein said first and second vertical planes are perpendicular to one another.
7. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plat-form and said sheet are connected together via said inter-mediate element and said intermediate element is a curved an-nular member extending between inner edges of said platform and said sheet which edges define said central apertures.
8. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plat-form and said sheet are connected together via said inter-mediate element and said intermediate element is an annular member extending perpendicularly between said platform and said sheet between inner edges thereof which define said central apertures.
9. A vessel as claimed in claim 7 or 8 and includ-ing a partition which extends perpendicularly between said platform and said sheet and is disposed between said inter-mediate element and said deformable element.
10. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said platform and said sheet are connected together via said in-termediate element and said intermediate element is an annular member which extends perpendicularly between said platform and said sheet and surrounds said deformable element.
11. A-vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said platform and said sheet are each connected to the hull sup-port structure.
12. A vessel as claimed in claim 1 wherein said platform and said sheet are connected together via said in-termediate element and said intermediate element comprises a plurality of bolts which are secured extending between said platform and said sheet on each side of said deformable element.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| ES466,499 | 1978-01-31 | ||
| ES466499A ES466499A1 (en) | 1978-01-31 | 1978-01-31 | Transport vessels having liquid gas storage tanks |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1099997A true CA1099997A (en) | 1981-04-28 |
Family
ID=8475386
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA320,475A Expired CA1099997A (en) | 1978-01-31 | 1979-01-30 | Vessel for carrying independent pressurized load tanks |
Country Status (10)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4233921A (en) |
| JP (1) | JPS54113184A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1099997A (en) |
| DE (1) | DE2902200A1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES466499A1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2013319B (en) |
| IT (1) | IT1109491B (en) |
| NO (1) | NO145752C (en) |
| SE (1) | SE7900745L (en) |
| SU (1) | SU847906A3 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5542365A (en) * | 1994-12-22 | 1996-08-06 | Jurisich; Peter L. | Ship having a crushable, energy absorbing hull assembly |
| KR100989761B1 (en) | 2008-10-07 | 2010-10-26 | 현대중공업 주식회사 | Installation Method of Resin injection for Cargo tank Support of LPG Carrier |
Family Cites Families (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3276412A (en) * | 1964-08-12 | 1966-10-04 | Bethlehem Steel Corp | Fluid tight shield |
| US3516567A (en) * | 1968-06-20 | 1970-06-23 | Grace W R & Co | Spaced wall container with desiccant spacer ring between walls |
| ES406340A1 (en) * | 1972-09-02 | 1973-12-01 | Sener Tecnica Industrial | Ships equipped with pressurized cargo tanks supported on continuous shells |
| US3903824A (en) * | 1973-12-06 | 1975-09-09 | Chicago Bridge & Iron Co | Liquefied gas ship tank insulation system |
| FR2304509A1 (en) * | 1975-03-21 | 1976-10-15 | Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel | Marine tanker with in line tanks - has spherical tanks anchored to hull at base of tanks |
| US4127079A (en) * | 1976-02-10 | 1978-11-28 | Hitachi Shipbuilding & Engineering Co., Ltd. | Support device for ship-carried independent tank |
| US4128070A (en) * | 1977-08-17 | 1978-12-05 | Chicago Bridge & Iron Company | Ship tanks with continuous support system |
-
1978
- 1978-01-31 ES ES466499A patent/ES466499A1/en not_active Expired
-
1979
- 1979-01-19 IT IT19452/79A patent/IT1109491B/en active
- 1979-01-20 DE DE19792902200 patent/DE2902200A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1979-01-24 NO NO790236A patent/NO145752C/en unknown
- 1979-01-26 US US06/006,859 patent/US4233921A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1979-01-29 SU SU792718350A patent/SU847906A3/en active
- 1979-01-29 SE SE7900745A patent/SE7900745L/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 1979-01-30 JP JP880179A patent/JPS54113184A/en active Pending
- 1979-01-30 GB GB7903182A patent/GB2013319B/en not_active Expired
- 1979-01-30 CA CA320,475A patent/CA1099997A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| ES466499A1 (en) | 1979-06-01 |
| US4233921A (en) | 1980-11-18 |
| NO790236L (en) | 1979-08-01 |
| SU847906A3 (en) | 1981-07-15 |
| DE2902200A1 (en) | 1979-08-02 |
| IT7919452A0 (en) | 1979-01-19 |
| SE7900745L (en) | 1979-08-01 |
| NO145752B (en) | 1982-02-15 |
| NO145752C (en) | 1982-05-26 |
| JPS54113184A (en) | 1979-09-04 |
| GB2013319A (en) | 1979-08-08 |
| IT1109491B (en) | 1985-12-16 |
| GB2013319B (en) | 1982-06-03 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |